maori

This is the Maori identity song that Kate sings with Koti’s family in “Just Good Friends,” performed here by my son, Samuel Nolting, and set to some of my favorite images of New Zealand that seemed right for the book. I hope you enjoy it!

Line up together, people
All of us, all of us.
Stand in rows, people
All of us, all of us.
Seek after knowledge
and love of others - everybody!
Think as one,
Act as one.
All of us, all of us.
Sing it all a second time.
All of us, all of us!!
Hi aue hei !!!

I saw this film, Mt. Zion,on Air New Zealand last night and really enjoyed it. Set during the period when the Maori people were just first starting to make some strides in the fight for their rights–compensation and return of lands taken from them illegally despite the Treaty of Waitangi. That’s just sort of a backdrop to this story though, not the main thing, which is about a young man who’s torn between his musical dreams and his duty to his family. Full of Maori family, love, struggle, and music. The accent can be a bit hard to understand, but the music is great and I loved the story and some of the characters. When it comes to family values, Maori have the real thing, that’s for sure.

New Zealand’s unofficial national anthem. Koti sings this to Kate in the car in “Just Good Friends.” Sung here by Kiri Te Kanawa plus chorus, with gorgeous New Zealand images. Click the “Interactive Transcript” button below the screen for lyrics and/or translation.

More great music available on Hirini Melbourne and Richard Nunns, Te Ku Te Whe (the definitive album featuring original Maori instruments, with haunting original melodies and lyrics. Spine-tingling. This includes “Homai o Ringa,” which Koti sings in the cave in “Just Good Friends”)

Originally, ta moko was done with chisels (for scarring) rather than inking. These days, thankfully, it’s done with ink! Men were formerly tattooed on their faces (full face), buttocks, and thighs; women on the chin. M